Marie Ferguson told the 'Journal' her family have waited long enough in the seven years since Raychel died and said those responsible for her death cannot be allowed to get away with it.

"If I killed someone tomorrow, I would be in court the next day," Marie told the 'Journal'

"It's the same for what happened to Raychel."

Nine years-old Raychel Ferguson died in June 2001 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after being transferred from Altnagelvin Hospital where she had undergone a routine appendix operation.

The schoolgirl died as a result of the incorrect administration of fluids to counteract dehydration, cerebral oedema caused by hyponatraemia, which is caused by a shortage of sodium in the body.

Yesterday a spokesperson from the PPS told the 'Journal' that a decision on Raychel's case would be made shortly and Mrs Ferguson would be informed by letter.

However the 'Journal' has also learned that the PPS will not be seeking prosecutions in the cases of two other children, Adam Strain and Lucy Crawford who died after routine surgery in other Northern Ireland hospitals.

A public inquiry into the deaths of the three children has been halted pending the outcome of the invesitgations.

Raychel would have been 16 on Monday," said Marie."If the deaths of Adam Strain and Lucy Crawford hadn't been covered up, I would be celebrating with her rather than visiting the cemetery.

Pinch of salt

"At her inquest I was told that a pinch of salt could have saved her.

"I know how Raychel died, I don't need an investigation to tell me that. But I've been pushed from pillar to post.

"First the public inquiry into Raychel's death was on, and then it was off.

"The police didn't even tell me the case had been passed to the PPS, we feel totally left out in the cold."

Marie called on the PPS to make sure someone is accountable for Raychel's death.

"We've waited long enough," she said.